Outdoor Dining Proves to Be Significant Driver for UK Hospitality Sector
As the warmer months approach, the UK hospitality sector is experiencing a boost in business thanks to the increasing popularity of outdoor dining. According to data from Lightspeed, between April 2024 and March 2025, restaurants saw an 8.42% increase in transactions during warmer months, highlighting the strong demand for al fresco experiences. This trend is closely linked to the start of the alfresco dining season in the UK.
In a 2022 survey, 75% of UK diners expressed a desire for more outdoor dining options, with 69% actively seeking out venues that offer this experience. And it’s not just the southern regions that are enjoying the sunshine; major cities like Manchester have become hotspots for outdoor dining, second only to London in popularity.
To capitalize on this trend, restaurants are expanding their outdoor seating areas, adding canopies and heaters to enhance the ambience, and adapting their menus to suit the al fresco experience. Dishes and drinks that are traditionally enjoyed in the summer, such as tapas and meze plates, promote a social style of dining and bring the feeling of a holiday in the sun closer to home.
Furthermore, restaurants are using technology to improve the outdoor dining experience. By implementing mobile ordering and payment solutions, diners can browse the menu, place their orders, and settle their bills seamlessly from their smartphones. This not only enhances the service flow and reduces congestion, but it also allows for a more efficient management of increased customer flow and maintains service quality.
Liam Crooks, Managing Director of EMEA at Lightspeed, commented on this trend, stating, “As Brits embrace the joy of dining outdoors, we’re seeing restaurants up and down the country respond with innovation and energy. Whether it’s expanding seating areas, refining service with mobile tech, or curating menus that capture the essence of summer, operators are seizing this opportunity to elevate the guest experience. This trend isn’t just a seasonal shift – it’s an opportunity for businesses ready to adapt to evolving consumer expectations.”
